Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - click above for high-res image gallery

The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next year are redesigns of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the Chrysler 300. As you may recall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that he was surprised to see how little has been done in the way of product development over the past two years, which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the new boss.

Marchionnne and his management team are now putting the final touches on a new plan to reverse Chrysler's fortunes, and the key to the company's renaissance will be new product. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Marchionne's plan includes quick turnarounds on the refreshing of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass. According to company sources, the PT Cruiser is also scheduled to be redesigned in a compressed time frame, with the expectation of a mid-2011 arrival.

To execute the aggressive plan, Marchionne is reportedly calling for design and engineering workers to work overtime, and some workers who took packages or were separated involuntarily will be hired back on a contract basis. Beyond the refreshes already mentioned, Fiat has already committed to build the hot little 500 in Mexico by mid-2011, and the Pentastar will also complete the launch of its Phoenix V6 engine program.

Marchionne is scheduled to deliver his latest proposal to overhaul Chrysler to the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force by next Wednesday. It looks like there is finally going to be some serious action in Auburn Hills, MI, and we're hoping that Fiat and Chrysler can buy two years' time to bring the greatly-needed product to fruition.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge caliberDodgeCaliberfiatgrand caravanGrandCaravanjeepjeep patriotJeepPatriotmarchionnept cruiserPtCruisertown CountryTownCountryFri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New for Chrysler in 2010: Not much]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler's in a tough spot right now. The beleaguered automaker survived the Daimler fiasco only to be picked up by an indifferent Cerberus team before ultimately ending up in bankruptcy court. Chrysler came out of those proceedings with a new dance partner in Fiat, and while the new company has a healthier balance sheet, a lack of funding has left the Pentastar with a nearly empty cupboard when it comes to new 2010 products.

In fact, Chrysler's new-product roster for the coming model year can be counted on one finger. The heavy duty 2010 Dodge Ram arrives with new sheetmetal, a significantly improved interior, a new crew cab configuration, and upgraded gasoline and diesel engines. It'll eventually be followed by commercial versions, with model designations ranging from 2500 to 5500.

As for the rest of the lineup, Chrysler did the most it could with its limited resources. Among the running changes for the 2010 model year are an improved Dodge Caliber interior, an updated, smooth-hooded Chrysler Sebring (as if anyone's going to notice) and plenty of fuel economy-related updates. The Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and light-duty Ram receive a fuel cutoff feature during deceleration. The Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot add entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder models that deliver nominal fuel economy gains (2 mpg in the Dodge, 1 mpg in the Jeeps). The 3.5L Dodge Journey, a car that we'd all but forgotten about, will also see tweaks that will allow it to pick up an additional mpg as well.

Finally, Chrysler hopes to entice buyers by making previously optional equipment standard for 2010, while also adjusting pricing. The Dodge Caravan cost of entry has been lowered by $2,180 to $21,800, giving families a budget-priced option in the minivan market. Oh, and one last thing -- a limited edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be offered in Plum Crazy for 2010. Now that sounds genuinely interesting.


Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty



[Source: The Detroit News]

New for Chrysler in 2010: Not much originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dodge CaliberDodge Nitrododge ramdodge ram 2500DodgeCaliberDodgeNitroDodgeRamDodgeRam2500jeep compassJeepCompassSun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Caliber SRT4, we hardly knew ye?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/dodge-caliber-srt4-we-hardly-knew-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/dodge-caliber-srt4-we-hardly-knew-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/dodge-caliber-srt4-we-hardly-knew-ye/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Dodge Caliber SRT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today, we mourn the passing of a fallen pint-sized performer. If reports from Inside Line's Straightline blog are accurate, it seems that the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will no longer be offered after the 2009 model year draws to a close, and that's something of a shame.

As we've already covered, the 2010 Caliber is blessed with a significantly improved interior that brings the car much closer to its intended competition, a development that could have put the SRT4 on a few more shopping lists. Plus, if the Caliber is going to be filling Dodge showrooms anyway, enthusiasts and brand loyalists would surely prefer the option of a performance model. Of course, we're not sure how good a business case the small-volume SRT4 ever made for itself, so perhaps it's been a money loser from the get-go and Dodge didn't want to risk investing in any further model-specific interior updates. We'll probably never know.

Unfortunately, this news means that the 285-horsepower turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission from the SRT4 will never be mated up with the interior the Pentastar should have put in the Caliber from the very beginning. Oh well, hot hatch fans still have a few good options to choose from here in the States, including the brand new 263-horsepower 2010 Mazdaspeed3 that we recently sampled for the first time. Rest in peace, SRT4.


Gallery: Dodge Caliber SRT4


[Source: Straightline]

Dodge Caliber SRT4, we hardly knew ye? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dodge caliber2009 dodge caliber srt42009DodgeCaliber2009DodgeCaliberSrt42010 dodge caliber2010 dodge caliber srt42010DodgeCaliber2010DodgeCaliberSrt4dodgedodge caliberdodge caliber interiordodge caliber srt-4dodge caliber srt4DodgeCaliberDodgeCaliberInteriorDodgeCaliberSrt-4DodgeCaliberSrt4Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Dodge Caliber gets reworked interior for 2010?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/spy-shots-dodge-caliber-gets-reworked-interior-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/spy-shots-dodge-caliber-gets-reworked-interior-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/spy-shots-dodge-caliber-gets-reworked-interior-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to a post on Caliber Forums, Dodge's hatchback is finally getting some love from the Pentastar in the form of a revised interior. Since it first went on sale in 2006, one of the biggest complaints from owners and reviewers alike has been the expansive black plastic surfaces covering every square inch of the car's dash, center console, armrest and door panels. Having spent plenty of time in a multitude of Calibers over the years, we can say with confidence that its interior has a decidedly low-rent look and is thoroughly uncomfortable to the touch - especially the bits where elbows often come into contact with hard plastic.

Included in the 2010 Caliber interior refresh are a new instrument panel, soft-touch center armrest, restyled vinyl-wrapped door panels and revised HVAC controls. It also appears that the A/C vents have been relocated to the upper dash panel and are now round. Click here for a glimpse at the current interior. Overall, this upgrade looks to be quite an improvement, and one sorely needed if Chrysler expects the Caliber to last for a few more years on the market before its (likely Fiat-based) replacement is ready. Thanks for the tip, Glenn!

[Source: Caliber Forums]

Spy Shots: Dodge Caliber gets reworked interior for 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge caliber2010 dodge caliber interior2010DodgeCaliber2010DodgeCaliberInteriordodge caliberdodge caliber interiorDodgeCaliberDodgeCaliberInteriorWed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to resume production at Illinois plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/chrylser-to-resume-production-at-illinois-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/chrylser-to-resume-production-at-illinois-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/chrylser-to-resume-production-at-illinois-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



After a five-day shutdown due to a mechanical glitch at Chrysler's Belvidere stamping plant, the facility will again be able to resume building the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot. In the short term, Chrysler will keep the assembly facility running smoothly by outsourcing stamping to other nearby plants. The shutdown came only weeks before the Belvidere plant permanently drops one shift, which will result in the indefinite layoff of 1,000 workers. With a tough economy in which automakers are struggling to sell units, it's unlikely many people will have difficulty finding a Caliber, Compass, or Patriot as a result of the temporary shutdown.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

Chrysler to resume production at Illinois plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Belividere assmebly plantBelividereAssmeblyPlantChryslerCompassDodge CaliberDodgeCaliberJeep PatriotJeepPatriotSat, 16 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Having learned from the sales bank debacle of the past, Chrysler is now throttling back production to draw down inventory levels. Sales of the PM/MK platform cars - Dodge Caliber and Jeep ComPatriot twins - are down roughly 23 percent compared to last year. Part of that is due to a move away from fleet sales, but whatever the cause, the 3,400 workers at the Belvidere assembly plant will get a two week vacation starting Monday. It's a great time of year to take a trip, enjoy some of the last warm days before winter tightens its grip, or just get out and rake the yard. By the time the line starts back up again, the backlog of unsold vehicles will be reduced, and the looming catastrophe of UAW contract talks will be looming.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We just posted about this Dodge Caliber SRT-4 a couple of weeks ago and now we have some live shots to go along with the details. Jalopnik found pics of one sitting on a city street for all the world to see. Looks a lot like the photos we've seen already, but seeing one in the wild brings the reality of imminent production to a point. Chunky and mean, we can't forget that this little wagon is packing 300 hp. When we talked about the chats with the SRT team on CaliberForums.com, we were reminded that this Dodge will be a normal 2008 model year car, which means it will arrive "as the leaves change colors," according to one engineer. Unfortunately, the on-sale date can't be pinned down to a specific day this far out, so we'll have to be satisfied with an autumnal arrival. We're very eager for someone to get their hands on an SRT-4 to see how Dodge handles the torque steer issues that come with routing 300 horsepower through the front wheels. Click over to Jalopnik for several more photos in larger sizes.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: Dodge Caliber SRT-4 in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You remember Binky, right? The cute little mythical creature who has a potty mouth when it comes to the Dodge Caliber? He's now travelled overseas and, with his language sanitized, has gained a following. Over there, anyone test driving (they call it trialing) a Caliber gets a Binky. Dodge ordered 5,000 Binky dolls and has already given away 3,000. A spokesman for Dodge said they are getting lots of requests from kids. And, believe it or not, searching for Binky on eBay turns up nothing relevant in the U.S. or UK. But there are several "want it now" postings.

So they have only 2,000 Binkys left until the promotion ends on March 31 and crowds of kids clamoring for a Binky. Don't know about you, but it'd scare the **** out of us.

[Source: Auto Express]

In the UK? Drive a Caliber, get a Binky. If you're lucky. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.

The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.

Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.

Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caliberchargerChrysler 300Chrysler300commanercompassDodge CaliberDodge ChargerDodge MagnumDodgeCaliberDodgeChargerDodgeMagnumgrand cherokeeGrandCherokeeJeep CommanderJeep Grand CherokeeJeep LibertyJeep NitroJeepCommanderJeepGrandCherokeeJeepLibertyJeepNitrolibertymagnumnitrosebringSat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy... Safe! Could coarse car ads attract FCC attention?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/holy-safe-could-course-car-ads-attract-fcc-attention/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/holy-safe-could-course-car-ads-attract-fcc-attention/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/holy-safe-could-course-car-ads-attract-fcc-attention/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In its quest to clean up television, could the Federal Communications Commission go after automotive advertising? USA Today wonders how the cuddly-wuddly FCC may react to some of the in-your-face commercials currently being shown in your home.

The story cites Volkswagen's "Safe Happens" Passat ads as well as Dodge's Caliber ad (shown above) featuring the foul-mouthed Binky in a Caliber focus group. "It scares the BEEP out of me," Binky responds to the ominous black Caliber.

Regarding V-Dub's recent crash-centric commericals, VW's General Manager Kurt Schneider reponds to USAT's questioning, by saying, "One of the most critical things was to have the dialog and whole scene be extremely natural. For anyone who's been in an accident, one of the first things you do is curse."

One of the next things you might do is buy a new car. Either because of, or in spite of the ads, lots of drivers have bought new Calibers and Passats this year.

The fact that the FCC hasn't brought this issue to fore, yet, may be an indication that either these spots are flying under the radar of the agency's boffins or that the ad's tactics are a drop in the bucket when it comes to foul language and violence on TV. Either way, it's a safe bet that we'll be hearing more about this issue as advertisers continue to up the ante in 30-second increments.

[Sources: USA Today, YouTube]

Holy... Safe! Could coarse car ads attract FCC attention? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Chrysler Group has gotten tons of PR mileage out of the popularity of the Dodge Caliber, to the point where dealers haven't been able to keep them in stock and consumers have to beg for a test drive (new Calibers net more profit than demos, after all). Unfortunately for the automaker, the Caliber's stablemate, the Jeep Compass, isn't enjoying the same successes. As the first car-based Jeep to hit the streets, the Caliber's sales have been lower than projected despite the vehicle's distinctive styling and sharp interior. The problem seems to be the 2006 models glutting dealer lots, giving potential Compass buyers food for thought -- a 2007 Compass doesn't represent the same kind of deal as, say, a loaded up 2006 Jeep Liberty.

Automotive News reports that the transaction price of the Dodge Caliber has risen since its introduction, beginning at $17,059 in March and then up to $18,276 by the end of September, while the Compass' price has lowered from $22,467 at launch to $21,534.

Jeep has quite a predicament on its hands if the Liberty and even Grand Cherokee are cannibalizing Compass sales -- evidently yet another drawback to Chrysler's resistance to cutting production when showrooms first started clogging up. We'll see how the situation evolves when the Patriot comes out.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

Jeep Compass comes in below projections originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotnew carNewCarvehicle salesVehicleSalesTue, 10 Oct 2006 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Caliber selling out abroad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not only is the Caliber tough to find on dealer lots in the United States, but it's also selling out in Europe as well. According to AutoWeek, Dodge woefully underestimated European demand for its hatchback replacement for the Neon, causing dealers in Europe to put people on a waiting list in excess of six months.

Many questioned whether Dodge's very American design could do well in Western Europe, but that question is now answered, with 3,238 Calibers were sold so far this year. Dodge sold just 311 vehicles in western Europe all of last year, but announced plans earlier this year to push Dodge as an international brand for the automaker.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Caliber selling out abroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CVTdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotwestern EuropeWesternEuropeThu, 07 Sep 2006 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Crash Results: Camry and RAV4 leading, Caliber makes improvement over Neon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/crash-results-camry-and-rav4-leading-caliber-makes-improvement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/crash-results-camry-and-rav4-leading-caliber-makes-improvement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/crash-results-camry-and-rav4-leading-caliber-makes-improvement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just can't stop ramming large, bumper shaped projectiles into the newest vehicles for 2007. Today the IIHS released the results of it most recent tests and it looks like Toyota is well represented at the top and the Caliber has made impressive improvements over its predecessor, the Dodge Neon.

The Toyota Camry received the institute's highest rating for a side impact, receiving an "excellent" score mainly due to its standard side-curtain airbags that provide the best possible protection to its occupants in one of the most common crashes.

Also tested was the Neon-replacing Dodge Caliber, which handily beat out its elder for both front and side impacts. Whereas the Neon was one of the worst vehicles tested at the time, the Caliber, with its standard side-curtain airbags, was awarded a "marginal" designation, compared to the Neon that received "poor" scores throughout its lifetime.

Other vehicles tested include the new RAV4, Kia Optima, Lincoln Zephyr and Hyundai Tucson.

One aspect of the tests that deserves note is that all the manufactures did not perform as well on the rear-impact tests as the IIHS would like. Where front and side impacts are some of the more dwelt upon crashes, the IIHS contends that back and neck injuries caused by collisions from behind are becoming more of an issue and they would like to see automakers address this problem with more research and development.

Follow the link to read the full report.

Crash Results: Camry and RAV4 leading, Caliber makes improvement over Neon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Jeep Compass might be turning the heads of some consumers looking to the trail-rated brand for something new, but the ten members of the Detroit News Automotive Consumer Panel weren't impressed. While all ten said they would recommend the vehicle's sibling -- the Dodge Caliber -- to their friends, and six said they'd consider buying a Caliber themselves, just two of the ten would recommend the Compass to family or friends and none would consider buying one themselves. Calling the vehicle "ugly" and identifying it as something that is completely at odds with the Jeep brand, the panelists overwhelmingly gave the car two thumbs down after driving a few around town during the month of July.

Said one panelist, "Jeep, to me, no longer can justify having that 'rugged' reputation attached to its brand name. A Jeep is supposed to bellow 'run me into the ground.' Instead, this Jeep says, 'You guys want to go to the mall?'"

Let's hope, for Chrylser's sake, that the new Compass will overcome the opinions of these ten.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep Compass gets dissed by consumer panel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know how long a lot of you have been waiting for any tidbit of info on the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. News has been slow to come by, but yesterday Dubspeed Driven scored some outstanding spy shots of what might be the EVO X. One can see a clear inspiration from the Concept-X show car that Mitsubishi rolled out at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show in the shape of the headlights and vertically flat front end.

The next Lancer Evolution will come to market as a 2008 model and be based on the same GS platform used by the Dodge Caliber. It certainly appears to be a much beefier sedan than the tiny Lancer it's replacing, although rumors suggest that it will be lighter than the current Lancer Evolution and have more than 300 horsepower under the hood.

As incredible as this car promises to be, how many think it will save Mitsubishi's slumping sales in the U.S.? One could make the argument that the EVO X is the perfect halo car, as its lineage with the Lancer will be very visible and could do wonders for increasing that car's street cred. For those that don't want EVO amounts of power, there should also be the Ralliart and OZ Rally Edition models. In fact, Dubspeed Driven's editor notes that these shots may actually be of the Ralliart model, but we'd like to keep believing they're not.
   
[Source: Dubspeed Driven via Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Mitsubishi EVO X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge caliberDodgeCaliberEVOEVO XEvoXlancer evolutionLancerEvolutionTue, 11 Jul 2006 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[What comes next for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/what-comes-next-for-the-chrysler-pt-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/what-comes-next-for-the-chrysler-pt-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/what-comes-next-for-the-chrysler-pt-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Peter Valdes-Dapena has penned a nice piece examining Chrysler's options for the next PT Cruiser. It's an interesting question, as Valde-Dapena notes, because no retro vehicle has ever been substantially redesigned. Like the recent refreshening of the Volkswagen New Beetle, Chrysler's redo of the PT Cruiser for 2006 amounted to minor visual tinkering. Reportedly, however, Chrysler is looking to have an answer ready for an end of the decade launch.

But what to do? The new Sebring offers a larger frame on which the next PT Cruiser could be built, along with the ability to accept a V6 engine. American tastes, however, are moving away from larger vehicles with less fuel efficient engines, which is one reason the current Cruiser with its fuel-efficient four cylinder is still selling well after six years on the market. Valdes-Dapena also suggests Chrysler could rebadge the similarly sized Dodge Caliber and skin it in a retro theme.

Regardless of what platform the next PT Cruiser employs, the real question is how will Chrysler update a look that's based on distinct visual cues from the past? The article picks the brain of David Zatz, the purveyor of Allpar.com (score one for the web journalists!), who offers the best quote of concern when he says, "Will they attack all the things people pick out as problems and sandpaper off all the edges until there's nothing?" We'll have to wait and see.

[Source: CNN.com]
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What comes next for the Chrysler PT Cruiser? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dodge CaliberDodgeCaliberprowlerPT CruiserPtCruiserretroretro designretro themeretro themedretro vehicleRetroDesignRetroThemeRetroThemedRetroVehicleSebringMon, 26 Jun 2006 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Jeep Compass rolls off the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Dodge Caliber's Jeep sibling, the Compass, started production at the Chrysler Group's plant in Belvidere, Ill., where the automaker will also start making the Jeep Patriot this fall. Chrysler's flexible manufacturing processes are said to be behind the plant's versatility and efficiency, which makes for the opportunity to build the three different models all on the same production line.

The Compass, which is Jeep's first foray into the world of soft SUVs and crossover vehicles, will start at an MSRP of  $15,985, including a $560 destination charge. The vehicle will go on sale this summer.

[Source: Chrysler]

Related posts:
Chrysler plant adding another 1,000 jobs
Chrysler calls 1,000 employees back to work at Belvidere
First production Dodge Caliber rolls off the line

First Jeep Compass rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 May 2006 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodge caliberDodgeCaliberflexible manufacturingFlexibleManufacturingjeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotkaizenlean manufacturingLeanManufacturingWed, 31 May 2006 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Hornet buzzes for partners; narrows it down to three]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DaimlerChrysler is on the lookout for companies to serve as a joint partner in making the Dodge Hornet, a sub-compact vehicle to be priced below the $13,995 sticker price of the Dodge Caliber. At this point, it looks like three automakers are on the short list -- Volkswagen and two others. Chrysler COO Eric Ridenour says that the contenders are European and Asian manufacturers.

The butch little car was shown in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

[Source: Automotive News]

Dodge Hornet buzzes for partners; narrows it down to three originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge caliberdodge hornetDodgeCaliberDodgeHornetgeneva motor showGenevaMotorShowvolkswagenTue, 09 May 2006 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Caliber seen as pivotal to DCX's overseas growth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/dodge-caliber-seen-as-pivotal-to-dcxs-overseas-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/dodge-caliber-seen-as-pivotal-to-dcxs-overseas-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/dodge-caliber-seen-as-pivotal-to-dcxs-overseas-growth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DaimlerChrysler appears bullish on the overseas fortunes of its new Dodge Caliber. The automaker expects to move in excess of 20,000 units outside of North America in 2007. That may not sound like a great deal in light of the fact that the econo-crossover will be launched into approximately 100 different countries, but doing so would make the Caliber a linchpin in DCX's program for  aggressive growth abroad. Year-to-date, sales in western Europe for the brand have blossomed by 17 percent, and executives hope that the Dodge brand will account from 20-to-30 percent of overseas volume by 2009 (last year it accounted for just 5 percent).

DCX officials indicate that the brand may make a push into Asia in the future as well, though China is not part of the brand's immediate future.

[Source: Reuters via Boston Globe; DaimlerChrysler]

Dodge Caliber seen as pivotal to DCX's overseas growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliberDodge CaliberDodgeCaliberSat, 06 May 2006 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota surpasses Chrysler's numbers... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota beat Chrysler's sales totals 219,965 to 190,095 in April, part of a larger trend that showed a bad month for domestics and a good month for Toyota. It's not the first time it has happened, but it might just give Toyota the boost it needs to surpass Chrylser's year-end sales totals. However, Chrysler expects strong sales of the Caliber and other forthcoming vehicles to edge the littlest member of the Big Three ahead of Toyota by year-end.

[Source: TheCarConnection.com; DaimlerChrysler]

Toyota surpasses Chrysler's numbers... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSaleschryslerdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriottoyotaWed, 03 May 2006 15:29:00 EST